Gloucester County to hold consumer protection open house

To commemorate National Consumer Protection Week, Gloucester County will hold an open house at its Office of Consumer Protection next month to educate consumers on privacy, debt and money management, avoiding identity theft and avoiding frauds and scams.

The open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the office's Shady Lane complex on County House Road in Clarksboro. The consumer protection office will also highlight these themes throughout the next two weeks — from March 1-12 — offering a variety of education services.

"In this day and age, it is almost incumbent upon all of us to be aware of the thieves waiting in prey to take advantage of someone's vulnerability," said Freeholder Director Robert Damminger. "The theme of this program teaches that regardless of your age or financial situation, there are useful lessons to learn about spending and managing your money wisely."

Deputy Director Warren Wallace, liaison to the consumer protection office, also noted as spring nears and people look to perform home improvements they can learn, through the office, what questions to ask and certifications to look for from potential contractors.

"So many consumers trust too easily, and by calling our Office of Consumer Protection or stopping by ... they can learn how to make sure a home contractor is registered with the state and how to approach home contractors with regards to payment," Wallace said.

The open house will have more information available and weights and measures personnel will be there to demonstrate and exhibit some of the tools used in their inspections.

For more information on the open house, or to schedule an investigator to come out and speak to your group or civic organization, contact the office at 856-384-6855.